Pumping Service

We service all of Leelanau County and west Grand Traverse County, including Lake Leelanau, Suttons Bay, Cedar, Leland, Northport, Glen Arbor, Empire, Maple City, Peshawbestown, Greilickville, Omena, Burdickville and Northwest Traverse City.

Houdek's Pumping Service offers

Pumping of Septic Systems, including:

Holding Tanks

Septic Tanks

Dry Wells

Lift Stations

Pump Chambers

Installation/Replacement of:

Risers

Septic Filters

Sewage Pumps

Float Switches

Septic Inspections

Partial Inspection- Includes the condition of the Septic Tank

Full Inspection- Includes condition of the Septic Tank and the Drainfield

Pricing

Pricing varies depending on your systems volume and the township in which you live. Please give us a call for the most accurate quote!

Q: How often should I have my septic pumped?

The answer to this question depends directly on how the household uses the system. Variables such as how many people reside in the home, garbage disposal use, size and age of the system, how much entertaining is done, etc. affects the time period in which solid waste accumulates in the septic tank. On the average, the septic tank should be cleaned out every two to five years. Our pumper should be able to give you a recommendation once he has cleaned the tank.

Q: Three things that can cause my septic to fail?

Lack of maintenance. Many people believe that if a septic system isn't backing up, it must be fine.

Over use of water compared to the design capability of the system.

Using your septic system as a garbage can. Paint, grease, baby wipes, tampons, condoms, left over medication, oil and other nonorganic waste should never end up in a septic system.

Q: What are the top ten ways to keep a septic system healthy throughout the year?

Have your tank pumped every two to five years.

If you can't eat it, it shouldn't go into the septic system.

Do not to overload the system. Spread out laundry, showers, dish washing, etc.

Keep brush and trees from growing in the drain field area to avoid root problems.

Have a filter installed in your septic tank.

Do not use additives in your septic tank; avoid harsh chemicals and bleach.

Keep vehicles and heavy traffic off of the septic system.

Check all water appliances so nothing is dripping or stuck with water running (sinks, toilets, water softeners, etc.).

Keep manholes above grade to prevent water runoff into the system and allow access for inspection and maintenance.

Start using Lenzyme. It adds enzymes to your system to help break down particles in your drains and the solids in your tank. You can purchase this at our office in Lake Leelanau.

Q: How does my septic system work?

A septic system has four main components: a pipe from the home or business, a septic tank, a drainfield, and the soil. Wastewater from your toilet, bath, kitchen, and laundry flows through a pipe from your home and into the septic tank. Microbes in the soil digest or remove most contaminants from the wastewater before it eventually reaches groundwater.

The Septic Tank – A septic tank is designed to intercept and hold solids contained in wastewater from your home or business. The tank is a large, buried, watertight container typically made of concrete. It holds the wastewater long enough to allow heavy solids to settle to the bottom (forming sludge) and oil and grease to float to the surface (as scum). Solids that are not decomposed remain in the septic tank. If not removed by periodic pumping, solids will accumulate until they eventually overflow the drainfield, causing costly repairs.
Septic tanks typically have two compartments, which do a better job of settling solids. Tees or baffles are provided at the tanks inlet and outlet pipes. The inlet slows the incoming wastes and reduces disturbance of the settling sludge. The outlet keeps the solids or scum in the tank. All tanks should have accessible covers for checking the condition of the baffles and for pumping.

The Drainfield – Wastewater exits the septic tank and is discharged into the drainfield for further treatment by the soil. Generally, the drainfield has a network of perforated pipes laid in gravel-filled trenches or beds in the soil. Wastewater trickles out of the pipes, through the gravel layer and into the soil. The soil filters effluent as it passes through the pore spaces. Microorganisms in the soil provide final treatment by removing harmful bacteria, viruses and nutrients. After effluent has passed into the soil, most of it percolates downward and outward, eventually reaching groundwater. The size and type of drainfield depends on the estimated daily wastewater flow and soil conditions.

Q: I had my septic tank pumped about a week ago and it's full again. Why?

As wastewater is discharged from the house, the tank will fill back up in a short period of time; your septic is always going to be "full" except right after you have it pumped. As the tank fills back up the three levels (sludge, waste water, and scum) separate from each other and the waste water exits through the outlet and pipe into your drain field. You start to have problems when your sludge and scum levels get too deep, which is why it is important to have your tank pumped regularly to clean out the sludge and scum. The projected wastewater used per day is 75 gallons per person, so a 1200 gallon tank will be full again in about a week for a family of 2 or more.

Q: What are Some Warning Signs of Septic System Trouble?

Some or all of these symptoms could indicate trouble with your system.